Based on her understanding of Hongli, he shouldn't do such a thing. Even if he did change his mind and have a change of heart, it's beyond her control. What's the use of thinking so much? She should just focus on finishing the task at hand!
With few people in the harem, she was relatively free on ordinary days. However, the imperial concubine selection was a major event. The Imperial Household Department would send her various lists almost every day for her to review. She had to know the date and palace where the preliminary and final selections would be held, how many nannies and eunuchs would be dispatched, and how to allocate them. The number of trivial matters was beyond her imagination.
But she had already agreed, so she shouldn't back down. She had to handle the selection process properly and not give the Empress Dowager any leverage over her.
To prevent any mistakes, Su Yushan specially invited several elderly palace women to consult with them about the selection process.
She was generous with her money and bestowed rewards lavishly, so the maids naturally spoke freely and without reservation.
After nearly twenty busy days, at the end of March in the sixth year of Qianlong's reign, the triennial general election officially began!
The initial selection was not Yu Shan's responsibility; it was handled by the eunuchs and maids. On the day of the second selection, the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager, and Imperial Noble Consort were all present.
The Empress Dowager and the Empress did not express their opinions, leaving Su Yushan to make the selection herself.
Selecting a few dozen outstanding women from hundreds of candidates, considering their family background, appearance, and other factors, is truly a headache.
Hongli didn't want to see the young ladies, but he couldn't bear to let Yushan suffer, so he had to choose them himself.
After the preliminary and secondary selections, only thirty women remained. The final round of the palace selection took place on April 12th.
The Empress Dowager had reminded Su Yushan beforehand that other young women could be given to members of the imperial family, but at least three must be retained to serve as the Emperor's concubines.
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